Role of FDI in Higher Education Sector-An Evaluative Study

India is the second largest country in the world in terms of population and by 2020 India will be the world's youngest country with more than 64 percent of its population in the working age group. It is also one few countries having large number of education institutions to cater to the need of growing population. India ranks next to USA and China in terms of number of graduates. The major areas of concern that are retarding the growth of Indian Higher Education sector can be brought under four major areas: Academic Quality, Focused Approach, Administration, and Financial Constraints. Inspite of the tremendous growth of communication technology, Indian higher education system is not able to reach to many deserving doors. Gross Enrolment Ratio is 18.8 percent and the present number of institutions is not adequate for the access of rural and tribal aspirants of higher education. Ministry of Human Resource Development is targeting to attain a Gross enrolment ratio of 30 percent by 2020.In the present situation for attaining this target we need to atleast double the universities and colleges which are being operating now. The huge financial requirement can be met either through private public partnership or by encouraging FDI in the field of Higher education sector. The present study attempts to analyse the nature of Indian Higher Education Sector, the need of FDI the sector, its pros and cons and also the customer perception about the same. The study is expected to assist the various stake holders of the sector